American Idol's David Archuleta Has One Savvy VAR Dad
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I've yet to meet a VAR who isn't trying to use whatever they have at their disposal to work some new angle. But is there another solution provider out there with a combination of foresight, guts, heaven-sent blessings, and sheer luck more formidable than Jeff Archuleta's? If you don't recognize that last name, you either don't have a television or you're in a Tuesday-Wednesday night bowling league. Jeff is, of course, dad of cuddly American Idol favorite David Archuleta. That was Jeff in the crowd cheering his son into the final four of the top-rated talent contest last week. Jeff is also the principal and founder of Arch Consulting Group, a Salt Lake City VAR, "specializing in locating and purchasing the highest quality of technical equipment through non-traditional channels." In fact, Jeff's company made its bones post-bubble by helping failed dot-coms liquidate IT assets while reconfiguring and reselling the gear at discount prices. It was a rare bit of initiative in a largely punishing environment for anyone connected with IT. Finding that silver lining helped Jeff grow his business just as his son's vocal talent was beginning to blossom. In 2002, David, then 12, was competing on Star Search. Jeff, a musician himself who refers to his son as "a reluctant singer," started making plans to expand. With 80 percent of his business coming from asset recovery from failing technology companies, it seemed like the perfect time to make a long-term bet on both his business and his boy. Nice call, Jeff! In 2006, Jeff Archuleta bought a 5,800-square foot building in Salt Lake City to house Arch Consulting along with Arch Music Group. Jeff told the Enterprise Business Newspaper in Salt Lake City that Arch Music would "seek out, nurture and promote young recording talent." "We're trying to find local artists that are extremely talented but for logistical and financial reasons find it difficult or impossible to go to Nashville or Hollywood or New York to produce the quality of music that is required to compete commercially," Jeff told the Enterprise. "I'm kind of putting out a blanket call to find songwriters and arrangers and producers, put together a team of people that can write and produce quality music that the artists here locally can record." Of his son, Jeff Archuleta said David is "an unbelievable talent, a gifted singing prodigy type of kid." Nobody who's seen the unassuming, bashful young man with the big voice on American Idol can disagree. As Idol Judge Simon Cowell put it, David Archuleta is, "cute, he's likeable, he's got a big voice. He's the one to beat." In fact, Idol will probably come down a contest between David Archuleta and rocker David Cook. But David A. has already won the hearts of the channel, and Jeff Archuleta continues to prove he's one very lucky, very savvy VAR with a knack for making the most of whatever comes his way. **UPDATE** David knocked it out of the park Tuesday night, finishing up with "Love Me Tender." Probably the best he's sounded since he did Lennon's "Imagine" last month. Jeff's days in the channel may be numbered. This kid is a star. |
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Comments (11)
I guess the takeaway is that you should have a good-looking kid who can sing if you want to succeed in this business. More power to him. Everybody in the channel should be rooting for him!
Posted by JBelan | May 5, 2008 10:02 AM
jeff has got a son who is sooooo lovable and endearing, coupled with huge inborn talent in music. having a great voice is not learned or acquired, it's inborn. my family has been rooting for david arch and we will not change no matter what.
Posted by loving david | May 5, 2008 11:31 AM
David A is the best American idol story in the making. This boy captures the heart of America with his talent and personality. If American Idol plots a conspiracy theory to drop him out of the competition for some reasons, it will be the biggest loss that AI will ever experience in a long term. His potential is enormous. Don't forget the purchasing power of his huge fan base. There are thousands of fans who would buy anything he produces.
His personality is shining throughout the whole competition. Genuiness, honesty, purity, humbleness, and down to earth character has never faltered from the beginning of the season. Even on the last elimination show at the end, although not many people noticed, he hid himself behind the cameras trying to not show his tears. Knowing that he was close to Brooke, it broke my heart. It is so good to see that there is 'goodness' in this contaminated culture.
A boy who used to rake a pregnant neighbor's yard refusing to receive even a popsicle, overcoming vocal paralysis singing with one vocal cord, fighting against cynical critics, bringing out the best of each American's heart. Isn't it the best AI story ?
Posted by joshua | May 5, 2008 2:22 PM
I have to go with Joshua here. The kid just exudes goodness. And it's not phony or contrived. I really believe he is that nice.
Posted by JBelan | May 5, 2008 4:21 PM
I'd like David Archuleta to pop out of my fortune cookie
Posted by denise | May 6, 2008 9:48 AM
David Archuleta is one great singer at such a young age...From the stories and just by looking at this kid, he exudes good heart, humbleness and he is very genuine no matter what other anti-David A. says...
More blessings to come to you David and your family...:)
Hope you'll be the next american idol.
jane from the philippines,
Posted by jane | May 6, 2008 10:20 AM
David Archuleta's voice is comforting and soothing and makes me feel good wherever I hear it. I love his smile, his humble ways and his lively personality. Thank you Jeff and Lupe Archuleta for sharing your son with us. I am now and will always be a fan of his. Getting ready to vote 2 hours tonite for him!
Posted by Evelyn | May 6, 2008 10:58 AM
i dont care wat they say abut david a 's dad as i no he is leading towards a great victory.........amercan idol!!!!
plzzzzzz vote 4 him
Posted by archangel | May 6, 2008 3:12 PM
Wow...nice article! Thanks for the positive vibe...it's nice to see!!! I've always said; "The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From The Tree"...Go Big "D"...
Posted by Brett | May 7, 2008 2:07 AM
Jeff and Lupe deserve heartiest congratulations and deepest respect for raising such a good and decent son. David has been such an inspiration to me. I am looking forward to his work. Onwards and upwards!!
Posted by Jim | May 9, 2008 9:01 AM
Jeff and Lupe deserve heartiest congratulations and deepest respect for raising such a good and decent son. David has been such an inspiration to me. I am looking forward to his work. Onwards and upwards!!
Posted by Jim | May 9, 2008 9:08 AM